Slowly but surely Liverpool are edging towards the Premier League`s top four and victory over high-flying Southampton at St Mary`s on Saturday could prove crucial in their season, manager Brendan Rodgers said on Friday.

Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren left Southampton hoping for bigger things at Liverpool but when they return to their former club in the Premier League on Sunday they will look enviously at their former team mates.

Beleaguered Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted by his team`s resilience following the 2-2 draw with Ludogorets on Wednesday which gave them a good chance of reaching the Champions League last 16.

Under-fire Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard may not be enjoying his best spell of form but he is still "a top class player", manager Brendan Rodgers said ahead of their Champions League clash with Ludogorets.

There`s no Luis Suarez any more, and will the Reds be able to cope without him in domestic circuit and Europe this season, will present an interesting sight in the offering. Liverpool, who finished second in the English Premier League last season, have made their way back to Champions League football after a gap of five years and manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to add more depth to his squad to challenge for top honours.